President Fires Hamutenya

President Sam Nujoma has fired his Foreign Affairs Minister Hidipo Hamutenya from Government. The shock announcement came from the Office of the President in a press statement to the media saying Hamutenya and his deputy, Kaire Mbuende, have been “relieved” “from their duties and responsibilities”.

“The decision takes place with immediate effect,” said the unsigned statement, which carries the national coat of arms. No reasons were given.Hamutenya is one of three Swapo nominees among whom the party’s special Congress would choose the candidate for state president this weekend.Nujoma had privately let it be known he was against Hamutenya’s nomination, and publicly made remarks that “agents of imperialists” have infiltrated Swapo’s leadership. The remark was seen as a reference to Hamutenya.Hamutenya and his deputy will be the first people publicly fired since independence.No reasons were given. Hamutenya is one of three Swapo nominees among whom the party’s special Congress would choose the candidate for state president this weekend. Nujoma had privately let it be known he was against Hamutenya’s nomination, and publicly made remarks that “agents of imperialists” have infiltrated Swapo’s leadership. The remark was seen as a reference to Hamutenya. Hamutenya and his deputy will be the first people publicly fired since independence.